Forestry Intern

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

Start Date: June 1 2025  Compensation: $19.00/hr

The Urban Forestry Intern(s) will spend the summer in Riverside Park and/or Van Cortlandt Park, working to gather data for both Park’s forestry needs. This pivotal role will help guide and inform both Park’s forestry work and provide necessary data entry.  

Reporting to the Riverside Park Conservancy Director of Horticulture, this is a great opportunity for undergrad or graduate students to work in the field of Urban Forestry. Learn how a non-profit Conservancy helps to care for natural areas trees in NYC. The intern will gain an understanding in how management and environmental justice impact our city’s forest and further efforts to create healthy forests for years to come. This is a great opportunity for those interested in a career in non-profit work and/or forestry.  

Responsibilities/Duties

  1. Gather data on trees in both parks including:
  2. DBH (diameter at breast height using measuring tape)
  3. Tree species (field guide and other resources provided)
  4. Access to GIS to create maps
  5. Tree health metrics
  6. Input data into online Cartegraph Assessment Management platform.
  7. Collect photographs to help with messaging and monitor progress.
  8. Work alongside both RPC and VCPA staff to create forestry management plans.

Qualifications/Requirements

  1. Be currently enrolled as an Undergraduate or Graduate Student in Environmental Sciences or Humanities, Conservation, Urban Forestry, Social Sciences, or similar field.
  2. Comfortable using Microsoft Office Suite.
  3. Ability to collect and gather data.
  4. Strong tree ID and/or ability to efficiently use a key to ID.
  5. Interest in learning about Urban Forestry and passion for the environment.
  6. Basic knowledge of NYC tree species and Cartegraph platform a plus, but not a requirement as training will be provided.
  7. The ability to bring unique perspective and ideas on how to best gather and manage data for organization.

Additional Information

Riverside Park Conservancy is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all applicants and employees. We recognize the importance of diversity and offer equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, height, weight, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. 

Contact Information

Riverside Park Conservancy
Contact Name: Jessica Kaplan
Email: jessica@riversideparknyc.org